The sneeze reflex in physiological and pathological states: a mini review

Abstract

The sneeze reflex serves as a protective response of the human body to environmental stimuli, with its regulatory mechanism largely depending on a complex nervous system. Current research indicates that the sneeze reflex can be triggered by both internal and external stimuli, including light and temperature. The composition of its reflex arc involves the coordinated action of multiple neural structures. Recent in-depth studies on the mechanism of the sneeze reflex have revealed a growing association between this reflex and various diseases, such as allergic rhinitis and infectious diseases. However, existing research primarily focuses on elucidating the neurophysiological basis of the sneeze reflex and its related neural pathways. The manifestations and mechanisms of the sneeze reflex under different pathological states remain underexplored, thereby limiting the potential application of the sneeze reflex in clinical diagnosis and treatment. This review aims to discuss the physiological mechanisms and pathological manifestations associated with the sneeze reflex.

Keywords: central regulation; cough; innervation; pathological manifestations; sneeze reflex.

FIGURE 1

The neural mechanism of the sneeze reflex. The urge to sneeze is initiated when an external irritant stimulates sensory nerve endings in the nasal passages. The stimulus signal is transmitted through the central axon to the brainstem, where it activates the sneezing reflex. This process is dependent on the action of neurotransmitters.

FIGURE 2

Sneeze reflex related disorders. (a) In allergic rhinitis, mast cells and basophils initiate the sneeze reflex by releasing inflammatory mediators, such as histamine, which activate sensory neurons in the nasal cavity. (b) Infectious diseases, the sneeze reflex is typically triggered by infections caused by viruses and bacteria. (c) Brainstem or spinal cord injury can also elicit the sneeze reflex.